A private Christian school in North
Carolina has instituted a “Biblical morality policy” to take
effect as it becomes eligible to receive taxpayer-funded private
school vouchers in 2014.
The policy, announced in a letter dated
November 13, has provoked a backlash against the Myrtle Grove
Christian School in Wilmington.
School president J. Stacy Miller stated
in the letter that the policy is not intended as a “statement of
condemnation” but rather an opportunity to “stand firmly on the
truth of the Holy Bible.”
“For this reason, the school reserves
the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission of an
applicant or to discontinue enrollment of a student if the atmosphere
or conduct within a particular home or the activities of the student
are counter to or are in opposition to the biblical lifestyle the
school teaches,” Miller
wrote. “This includes, but is not necessarily limited to,
participating in, supporting or affirming sexual immorality,
homosexual activity or bisexual activity; promoting such practices;
or being unable to support the moral principles of the school.”
A demonstration last Sunday attracted a
half-dozen protesters, including children, to rally against the
policy. A second protest took place this Sunday.
“This message of hate to the children
of the school really upsets me,” one of the protesters told WECT
TV 6. “I don't think Jesus preached the gospel of hate. I
think he preached the gospel of love.”
A
Facebook page calling for a boycott of the school has attracted
over 600 followers.